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Ski Apache Road, Sierra Blanca, New Mexico
Photo: Jonathan Cutrer · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives New Mexico Southern New Mexico

Ski Apache Road

NM 532 · Alto → Ski Apache

Intense11.4 mi30 min3,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 10,100 ftOne way
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The drive

NM 532, also called Ski Run Road, is a paved and maintained mountain road that climbs from Alto to Ski Apache. Ski Apache's own directions warn of steep grades, sharp curves and elevation changes on the approach.

The road ends at the ski area, so the way back is the same road. Ski Apache puts the resort about 17 miles from Ruidoso.

Along the way

  1. Alto (NM-48)
  2. Ski Apache
Elevation
3,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 10,100 ft
AltoSki Apache
Curves
Twisty most of the way
AltoSki Apache
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • For winter, Ski Apache advises winter tires and snow chains, and keeping the gas tank at least half full.
  • Ski Apache says it monitors the road regularly in winter and recommends checking NMDOT and the New Mexico Road Advisory System.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NMRoads (NMDOT road conditions).

Questions about this drive

How long does the Ski Apache road take?

NM 532 from Alto to Ski Apache is 11.4 miles and takes about 30 min.

Do I need chains on the road to Ski Apache?

Ski Apache advises winter tires and snow chains in winter and recommends checking road conditions before driving.

Where does Ski Apache Road start and end?

This drive starts at Alto (NM-48) and ends at Ski Apache, 11.4 miles in all.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Ski Apache Road, from Alto to Ski Apache